Our nose adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in our bronchial tubes and in our lungs. Our nose warms up cold air to our body temperature before it reaches our lungs. Nasal breathing adds resistance to the air stream, which increases oxygen uptake by maintaining our lung’s elasticity. Conversely, mouth breathing slows the cleaning cilia, slows down the passage of oxygen into the bloodstream, pulls germs and pollution directly into the lungs, and allows dry, cold air in the lungs, which can make secretions thicker.
